backstory behind banno sauce

Hello, this is Hitoe.

Thank you for visiting this page.

We are finally launching our house-made Banno sauce for retail.

This Banno sauce is a secret recipe that my grandmother taught me when 279 first started.

Although it’s called a secret sauce, the ingredients are simply soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.

While the recipe isn’t complex, it is very balanced, rich in flavour and makes everything delicious.

My grandmother, who was a kimono dressing and flower arrangement instructor, had a deep love for Japanese culture and was passionate about Japanese cuisine.

For New Year’s, she would start preparing traditional Japanese “Osechi” dishes days in advance, and whenever a cooking show came on TV, she would immediately write down the recipes and try them out.

I remember well how when I visited my grandmother’s house, there would always be various “Osozai” side dishes laid out on the dining table.

One of my favourite recipe was her kinpira gobo which is a stir-fried burdock root and this Banno sauce.

(I plan to share this recipe as well)

This Banno sauce was something she always kept prepared and cherished.

“Banno” means “versatile” in Japanese, and true to its name, it can be used with many dishes.

At 279, we mainly use it for Ten-musu and Imo-mochi.

It’s also great for stir-fries, deep-fried dishes, and simmered dishes.

For example, you can use it on steamed or stir-fried vegetables (especially recommended for steamed broccolini and grilled corn), or as a teriyaki sauce for oven-baked salmon or chicken.

Pour it over chips with butter, and you’ll have the most delicious potato fries ever!

We’ll be updating this page with recipes using the versatile sauce, so please check back.

Add a touch of Japanese essence to your daily meals with 279's Banno sauce.

We hope you’ll give it a try.

We have been using this Banno sauce since we first opened, and there had always been plans to sell it in bottles.

I was able to deliver the first bottle to my grandmother before she passed away and received her approval.

I am grateful to Manager Han, Chiy, and Designer Ito who helped make the retail bottle.

In loving memory of my grandma Mariko.

17 Sep 1930 - 19 Mar 2025